Walt Gisalson

Gislason earns Cardinal Pride in Willmar

While others were dining on cake and coffee at the Willmar Cardinal Pride Hall of Fame banquet this past weekend, Walt Gislason was likely served up a big slice of humble pie.

Never one to boast about the many contributions he has made to the Willmar community, athletic programs and other causes, the Minneota native and 1954 graduate was one of three men honored during Willmar's Homecoming festivities. "Walt won't say it, but he is thrilled at this honor," said Raeanna, his wife of 55 years.

Over the past four decades, Gislason became one of the community's most popular citizens; not only for the highly-successful Walt's Car Wash/Oil Change/Convenience Store that he owned for over 40 years, but for his contributions to hundreds of fundraising efforts.

One of Willmar's proudest achievements in recent years was its construction of Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium 15 years ago.

The complex has been home to Willmar's high school, American Legion and amateur baseball teams, as well as Ridgewater College and the Willmar Stingers Northwoods League baseball teams. Gislason was instrumental in helping to raise the money, through his donations and others, so that the stadium construction could come to fruition.

"When they asked me to help to raise money for the stadium, I told them I would attend their meeting to see what it was all about," Gislason said.

"After I went to the meeting, I knew I had to help because it was for the kids and the community. I told myself that I couldn't just stand there and not help."

Gislason, a former basketball captain and baseball player for Minneota, was inducted into the Cardinal Pride Hall of Fame along with Brad Welker and George "Pinky" Nelson.

Nelson is a former U. S. Astronaut and he graduated from Willmar. While Walt visited with many of those in attendance, his daughter, Schele Smith, spoke on his behalf at the banquet. "Walt is a fierce advocate and defender of the underdogs," Smith said.

"Need a helping hand? Walt's your man. Need a second chance? Call Walt.”

"He is a natural-born cheerleader and Superfan, supporting teams and organizations of all kinds. He cheers for everyone. And he especially supports events and venues that bring people together. That is why raising funds to build Bill Taunton Stadium was such a natural fit and one of his most meaningful accomplishments." Each Cardinal Pride Hall of Fame recipient received a red Cardinals jacket and a plaque.

The Cardinal Pride Hall of Fame honors Willmar athletes, coaches, fans, and boosters of sport programs. Gislason was also introduced at halftime of the Willmar vs. Alexandria football game on Friday night.

Gislason had been a huge supporter of all sports in Willmar. He employed many athletes at his business and allowed various sports teams and organizations to hold countless fundraisers at his car wash. "I had to share it with the people," he said.

"It was always for a good cause." Walt spent three years in the U.S. Army (1956-58), and has been a member of, or has been involved with, the American Legion, Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and Barn Theater.

He also was a volunteer fireman for 11 years. The Gislasons were notified of Walt's honor by mail first, and then a phone call three weeks ago.

"I didn't even know what it was for at first," Walt laughed. "I had to ask Raeanna what it was." And Raeanna knew that it was something her husband deserved.

"He is a very giving person," she said. "But he doesn't do it for the recognition."

The Gislasons left Willmar a few years ago and now reside in Wayzata in order to be near their children and grandchildren.

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